HIGHLIGHT
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
EXPLAIN
In 2 Corinthians 8-9 Paul talks about the collection for the needy in Jerusalem. Corinth Church had begun this collection a year before; now, Paul urged them to complete it.
He told them that now in their time of abundance they could supply what was needed for those who had lack. In the future, they themselves might have need and receive from those they were giving to now.
Paul did not feel like Corinth Church was unwilling to give, but he wanted to remind them so that when he came to receive the collection they would be ready, and not be embarrassed.
Paul then encouraged them with the principle of sowing and reaping, saying that God loves a cheerful giver. And so God provides grace so that we can abound in every good work.
APPLY
It may seem like a lack of faith for us, at times, to give largely to God’s work. But if God has prompted us to do so, we can trust that God will give us the grace to accomplish the work. This should give us confidence in attempting greater things for God!
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, thank you for the encouragement that you provide the grace we need to do the ministry you have set before us. Help me to be faithful in serving you. Amen.